In a recent development, a federal judge in New York has ruled that the names of numerous individuals associated with Jeffrey Epstein, including his alleged victims, will be made public in 2024. The order, issued by Judge Loretta A. Preska, stems from a settled case filed by Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who accused Epstein of sexually abusing her when she was a minor, and claimed that Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's former girlfriend and accomplice, facilitated the abuse.

Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier, was indicted in 2019 on federal charges of operating a sex trafficking ring involving underage girls. However, he died by suicide while in jail awaiting trial. Maxwell, on the other hand, was later indicted on sex trafficking charges and was convicted last year.

The case brought by Giuffre against Epstein was settled in 2017, and certain portions of it were placed under a protective order. However, as various parties debated over the release of information to the public, parts of the lawsuit have been unsealed since then. In fact, back in August 2019, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit unsealed hundreds of pages of documents just a day before Epstein's death, asserting that the district court judge had improperly sealed numerous filings. The case was subsequently sent back to the district court for a review of the remaining documents.

Judge Preska, who now presides over the case, has been gradually ruling for the unsealing of additional documents. In July 2020, she ordered the release of Maxwell's 2016 deposition, as well as emails and depositions from various individuals involved in the case.

According to Judge Preska's recent order, several alleged victims have already been identified in public interviews and have not objected to the unsealing of documents. However, some victims will remain unnamed due to the sensitive nature of the crimes involving minors. Additionally, Epstein's associates, including those implicated in his sex trafficking operations and those mentioned during a criminal trial, will also have their documents unsealed.

Intriguingly, some of the released documents will include information about individuals who have since passed away, including a person associated with Epstein who died in 2018, along with individuals tied to Maxwell.

Judge Preska has allowed Jane and John Does, who wish to challenge the release, 14 days to file an appeal. After this period, a conference will be held among the parties involved to determine the timeline for making the documents public.

It remains unclear how many of Epstein's associates will be investigated for alleged wrongdoing or whether additional charges will be brought against them. Given the sensitive nature of the crimes involving minors, the release of certain information will be handled with utmost care and sensitivity.

In the wake of Epstein's death, the US attorney's office in Manhattan has indicated its focus on charging Epstein with conspiracy, alleging his involvement with employees and associates in operating a vast sex trafficking ring that exploited numerous girls. Epstein had previously pleaded guilty to prostitution charges in Florida in 2008, serving a 13-month sentence.

The process of unsealing the documents surrounding the Epstein case continues to shed light on the far-reaching implications of his crimes and the involvement of his associates. As new revelations emerge, it is hoped that justice will be brought to all those affected by this heinous scandal.

Disclaimer: CNN's Eric Levenson has contributed to the creation of this report.

(Note: This article is generated based on the information provided and does not contain any additional facts beyond those mentioned.)